In the depths of winter, heightened energy bills are unavoidable. But, if there's any way to keep them as low as possible, it's using a smart thermostat, says our HVAC pro.
In fact, as he advises, investing in one now could actually reduce your annual heating bills by approximately eight to 12 percent this year.
Here, he shares exactly why there's no time like the present to invest in a smart thermostat, and why the affordable meross Smart Thermostat, available at Amazon, is the perfect option if you're an eco-conscious shopper on a smaller budget.
Why Investing In a Smart Thermostat Is Absolutely Worth It
All prices were correct at the time of publication.
This affordable smart thermostat works with Alexa, Apple Home, and Google Assistant, and includes 24/7 flexible scheduling plans, allowing you to customize your heating and cooling routine fully.
A smart thermostat is a smart home must-have that we always recommend, for cutting energy bills and maintaining the exact temperature to keep a thermostat in winter.
Josh Mitchell, HAVC expert and founder of AirConditionerLab, agrees. 'A smart thermostat helps cut down energy bills by learning your schedule and adjusting the heat when no one's home,' he says. 'Most people forget to lower the temperature when they leave, especially during busy moments.'
Therefore, in winter, they work well to keep a home warm all day, without driving up energy bills at the same time. 'On average, that means about eight to 12 percent off your annual heating bills,' he adds.
They're not only useful for winter, either, and will work equally as well to keep a home cool this summer, and eliminate hot and cold spots in your home all year round.
In particular, Josh recommends the meross Smart Thermostat, available at Amazon, as it supports 'geofencing'.
'This means it knows when everyone's away, and adjusts automatically,' he explains. 'App control makes it easy to track usage trends and runtime.'
It's not just Josh who recommends this model – it also features a host of five-star reviews on Amazon.
One, from John Cannon, titled, 'Simple installation and use. Amazing product,' reads, 'The thermostat looks amazing, and the installation was super simple. After getting all the wires in, it connected to the internet super easily and was added to the Meross app and my Apple Home app.
'I can control the temperature from anywhere, set up schedules, and share control with my roommates. It was compatible with my system, and runs great.'
Another, by AKDTENGR, echoes John's, dubbing it 'a simple, reliable thermostat without the gimmicks,' while a third, from Eric Kern, simply calls it a 'nice smart thermostat.'
'Really happy with this thermostat so far,' they write. 'Install[ation] was easier than I expected, and the app walks you through everything step by step. Took me maybe 25-30 mins, and I’m definitely not an HVAC expert.
'I like that it works with Alexa and Google – super convenient to just ask it to adjust the temperature. Scheduling is easy to set up, and I’ve already noticed we’re not running the heat as much during the day, which should help on energy bills.
'The app is simple, reliable, and I like getting alerts for filter reminders. Also nice being able to adjust the temperature when I’m not home (have definitely done this more than once).
'Overall solid smart thermostat for the price. Does what it’s supposed to do without being complicated. Would buy again.'
So, if you've been on the fence about setting up a smart home in 2026 and investing in this smart home trend, there's no time like the present.
What to Shop
This smart thermostat offers you on-the-go control, is easy to install, and features a sleek, modern design. It's also compatible with both app and voice control.
While priced at the higher-end of smart thermostat models, this model features a bright, easy-to-read touchscreen, which makes for simple operation, and is quick and simple to set up.
This smart thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature when you’re away to never heat or cool an empty home, and cleverly features a built-in radar occupancy to preheat or precool your home before you arrive.
This smart thermostat is available in four colors and can be controlled from anywhere using the Google Home app. This remote control also means family members can change the thermostat temperature on a phone, laptop, or tablet.
This Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostat, helps to reduce energy usage, and allows you to create comfort zones throughout your home.
This smart thermostat is designed to fit the same space as a traditional thermostat, so you don’t have to patch and paint your walls. It's also ENERGY STAR certified.
Meet the Expert
Smart thermostats are also one of the smart home features designers love.
